that's actually pretty interesting! If I get to play my tiefling, I sort of like the idea of a Welsh accent, I've only heard it a little, so I wouldn't actually type phoenitically, but it's unusual and pleasant to hear.

I could help you out there I think, iffin you're needing a player.
Akemi's a quiet character to run, so for the most part, I'm playing 2 games currently. I could spot a third. I think I prefer paragon level best myself, but I can give lower level a shot.

Sounds good to me (the dazed part at least). Having enemies provide CA, makes it easier for my Rogue Archer to get Sneak Attack, without having to find cover. Granted after they are prone they will be harder to hit, but we can work together to rinse and repeat when they get up.

Rev Rosey asked me to put him up in this thread, so my candidate is Sigvard Lodbrok Ingvarsson, wandering warrior-poet and specialist in hitting people with sharp objects and then making up impromptu poetry to describe their failings as warriors. He could work as a fighter or as a bard (probably a Skald), although since he's not originally a D&D character I might need some tweaking. Since he's made himself a little unpopular with certain powerful people back home (something about making up poetry that isn't entirely flattering about people, seducing their daughters, and commenting on the ugliness of their wives) he's decided a change of scenery would be good for his health, and is wandering around looking for some trouble to get into.

Zerombr, I was thinking of a possible link to my character for your dwarf fighter - perhaps you could be in the employ of my father and tasked with sending me back to do my duty in the brewery business - but also under instruction to use persuasion rather than force. Assuming you have a low CHA and lousy social skills, that would be a laugh and possibly good for some roleplaying, especially as Vondal is enjoying himself too much as an adventurer. So you join the party, not to watch over me specifically, but to continue working on persuading me to go home. I just put this out thee for you to take or leave, but it's a reasonable reason for joining the party and might be fun.

You all know my views on play what you want first and foremost. Of course it helps to have a bit of balance, but you're all experienced and good players. You'll find your way out of trouble if you have to.

Once you've sorted out who you're all playing I'll take a look and see about getting you going again.

edit: Welcome to Commander Caine, I read your story, heh its sort of interesting getting a chance to play with people who I've read about.

I feel flattered by this.

However, I intend to revise Caine's background by making him a failed Paladin Aspirant whose failure compelled him to join the army to hide his disgrace from his family. This made him accept dangerous assignments. But the years of war had taken their toll and the stress of seeing many of his men die for the greed of other men sickened him. He deserted his command to lead the life of an adventurer, so that he can fight for causes more worthy than greed.

EDIT: reading the game thread now; and i think Caine will be using a fullblade.

One each of level 1, 2, 3 magic items plus an additional 600 to spend on what you will. The original team started with a bonus level 3 magic item, and did reasonably well out of their last adventure (for once), so this seems a fair compromise.

We didn't build with themes as two of the original players had no access to DDI. If any of you want to add one in at this point, go ahead. Likewise, background. Not in use with original build, but OK now.

This is a pre-industrial world and you're not in a very sophisticated part of it. Most races are tolerated, but dragonborn and tieflings are rather rare. Elves and Eladrin are recognised and respected rather reluctantly. Dwarves tend to be even more clannish than usual. Shardminds and such are unknown. The basic population is human and halfling, with a sprinkling of shifters. Shifters get a bit of respect. This is sheep country.

The ruling family are the Sarathame Kings. They made an ages old pact with the fey which still holds. It is high summer and time for the annual Progress - where the King and the Veiled One traverse the boundaries. During this period, anyone can ask a boon of the King and it will be granted. At a price.

"Ah, the local heroes. Well, they'll obviously need a chronicler and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I know how to tell a saga that will be remembered down the ages." Either as tragedy or... something else.